Severna Park band volunteer charged in sex crime

A volunteer who formerly worked at Severna Park High School in Maryland has been charged with various sex crimes in connection with his work with the marching and jazz bands at the high school in Anne Arundel County, the Capital Gazette reports.

Wilbur Jesse Hildebrand (Anne Arundel County Police)

A former female band student, who is now 18, told police during an October interview that she had engaged in a sexual relationship with Wilbur Jesse Hildebrand, 56, during her junior and senior years at the school. According to court documents, Mr Hildebrand has been charged with sex abuse of a minor, perverted practice (he allegedly solicited nude photographs from the student), fourth-degree sexual offense, and second-degree assault.

The woman said the relationship included fondling and oral sex, which occurred at her home or in Mr Hildebrand’s car on occasions when he would drive her home after school or after meetings, some of which took place at his house.

The news report cited school officials in confirming that Mr Hildebrand worked at the school as a volunteer for about four years, having passed required background checks, which last for two years each, on two separate occasions. He was never, however, an actual employee of the school district, according to Anne Arundel County Public Schools spokesman Bob Mossier.

The age of consent in Maryland is 16, but for people who hold positions in schools or other places reasonably viewed as authoritative, the age of consent is 18.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is looking for other potential victims, WMAR-TV (ABC affiliate) reports. Anyone with information should contact Detective Erick Patterson at (410) 222-4716, or to report the information anonymously, contact the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at (410) 222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers.